Their first album, 1982's Kissing to Be Clever, became a major international hit, spawning the hit singles "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" (which went 'all the way' in the BBC-Charts in late 1982), "Time (Clock of the Heart)", and "I'll Tumble 4 Ya". Unique in his eccentric manner of dress and androgynous look, Boy George became a worldwide celebrity.
Their second album, 1983's Colour By Numbers also did extremely well, giving the band its second number one hit in the UK with "Karma Chameleon." Karma Chameleon reached No.1 in many countries and they even starred in UK's Top of the Pops in September 1983. However, trouble was brewing within the Culture Club camp. Unknown to the public, George was having an affair with drummer Jon Moss. The affair (which lasted over four years) was often problematic and the pressure to hide the relationship started to take its toll.
The band also started to lose its place musically. Their next album, 1984's Waking Up With the House on Fire was a major disappointment. Though the band gained a small comeback with 1986's From Luxury to Heartache (thanks to the hit "Move Away"), both George's and Jon's fights created much tension, eventually leading to the breakup of the band. Around this time, George also became addicted to heroin, which created a frenzy with the tabloids. Eventually, George would let go of the habit and begin his solo career. A minor hit from the "Hiding Out" soundtrack called "Live My Life" peaked at U.S. #40. While George scored several hits in Europe and finally hit the U.S. top 20 with 1992's "The Crying Game", he was never able to reach the success he achieved with Culture Club.
In 1998, the band put their problems aside and decided to do a reunion tour. Kicked off with a performance on VH1 Storytellers, the tour was a major success. Shortly after, Culture Club recorded a new album titled Don't Mind If I Do. Though never released in the U.S., the first single, "I Just Wanna Be Loved" (UK #4), was featured on a compilation based around the Storytellers performance.
The band went on to tour for a few more years. Recently, however, Culture Club has been inactive, largely due to Boy George's concentration on his successful career as a DJ. In late 2006, Culture Club announced a reunion - albeit, without Boy George as lead singer.
White Boy
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We kiss to define
White hands, white hearts
The gender
How can I make you mine
Take me to god
In a world of blank kisses
I know what this is
A one man show
That's how we know
That's how we know
Your white does it show
Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy, you
White boys fall out
In a whirl of decisions
Show me what is
Then show me what isn't
A heart too slow
That's how we know
That's how we know
Your white does the blood flow
Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy
You're so white
White boy
White boy
White boy
White boy
White boy (ooh)
White boy
White boy
White boy dance
Do something sweet
Like pull my heart
Like use your feet
Like steal some culture
Let's fake this dance
A white boy kiss
A white boy chance
Don't take me over
Don't lose my heart
When I change color I'm here stop start
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
The lyrics to Culture Club's "White Boy" speak to issues of race and cultural appropriation through the lens of a gay romantic relationship. The lines "Black boys employ Selassie" and "show me what is, then show me what isn't" suggest a desire for authenticity and realness in the face of appropriation and cultural hijacking. The refrain "Your white dance like an enemy" may refer to the way that white people have historically co-opted black musical styles without fully understanding or respecting their cultural context, resulting in a kind of antagonistic dance.
The lyrics also touch on issues of gender and power dynamics within a relationship. The line "White hands, white hearts, the gender / How can I make you mine" suggests a desire for a deeper understanding and connection between the singer and their romantic partner, but also highlights the challenges that arise when trying to navigate the complexities of race, gender, and power. The line "A one man show / That's how we know / Your white does it show" seems to imply that the singer is frustrated with their partner's inability to see beyond their own privilege and understand the experiences of those with different backgrounds and identities.
Overall, the lyrics of "White Boy" are a powerful critique of cultural appropriation and a call for greater understanding and empathy across lines of race, gender, and sexuality.
Line by Line Meaning
Black boys employ Selassie
Black boys embrace the Rastafarian deity, Haile Selassie, as their guiding light
We kiss to define
Our romantic interactions affirm our identity
White hands, white hearts
Being white defines our entire identity
The gender
Our identity is also defined by our gender
How can I make you mine
How can I make you understand and accept my identity?
Take me to god
In search of an ultimate truth or meaning
In a world of blank kisses
In a world where our interactions feel empty and meaningless
Who breaks the colors
Who is responsible for perpetuating racial divisions?
I know what this is
I understand the complexity of identity and cultural differences
A one man show
Our identities are independent, and it's up to each one of us to define ourselves
That's how we know
Our differences define us and set us apart from one another
Your white does it show
Your whiteness is obvious and cannot be ignored
Your white dance like an enemy
Your whiteness is a threat to me and my identity
White boys fall out
White boys struggle with their own identity
In a whirl of decisions
White boys are easily swayed by societal pressures
Show me what is
Teach me what it means to be white
Then show me what isn't
Teach me what it means to not be white
A heart too slow
White boys are not quick to adapt to change and new ideas
That's how we know
Our differences continue to set us apart and define us
Your white does the blood flow
Your whiteness is inherent and affects every aspect of you
Do something sweet
Do something that will make me feel good or understood
Like pull my heart
Make me fall in love with you
Like use your feet
Dance in a way that celebrates our differences and brings us closer together
Like steal some culture
Appreciate and learn from cultures that are different from your own
Let's fake this dance
Let's put aside our differences and dance together
A white boy kiss
A kiss that is informed and influenced by a white identity
A white boy chance
An opportunity for a white boy to learn and grow from someone who is different
Don't take me over
Don't try to control or overpower me
Don't lose my heart
Don't let your whiteness make it impossible for me to love or connect with you
When I change color I'm here stop start
When I embrace different aspects of my identity, it can be confusing and challenging for me and those around me
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: G. O'DOWD, J. MOSS, M. CRAIG, R. HAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind